From NPR · · 1m 30s
House passes Russia sanctions bill to Trump
Congress sends tough new sanctions targeting Russia's war machine to the president's desk.
In brief
Congress sends tough new sanctions targeting Russia's war machine to the president's desk. The House passed a Russia sanctions package with bipartisan support, though Democrats worry the bill gives Trump unchecked power to impose tariffs on countries. Originally reported by NPR.
House votes on Russia sanctions
The House passed a Russia sanctions package 262 to 159 on Wednesday, sending it to President Trump's desk. The bill targets Russian officials, companies, and financial institutions fueling the war in Ukraine.
Sanctions aim to end Ukraine war
The legislation is designed to pressure Russia's economy and force President Putin to end his invasion of Ukraine, which has killed thousands of civilians since 2022.
Republicans back moral imperative
Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, said the bill represents a moral issue requiring courage to cripple the Russian war machine and turn the tide toward peace.
“This is a moral issue that requires moral courage.”
Democrats worry about tariff power
The bill gives Trump authority to impose tariffs on countries importing Russian oil and gas, like China and India. Democrats fear this creates a loophole allowing Trump to target any nation with up to 100% tariffs.
“He could then hit them with tariffs of up to 100%, with no guardrails or oversight.”
Bipartisan split reflects Ukraine divide
Fifty-eight House Democrats joined Republicans to pass the bill, while seven Republicans voted against it. The Senate passed it 86 to 11 in August, showing Ukraine support has fractured the GOP.
Bill named for late Senator Graham
The legislation is named in memory of Senator Lindsey Graham, the South Carolina Republican who helped negotiate Trump's support for the sanctions package.
The one thing
The House passed a Russia sanctions package with bipartisan support, though Democrats worry the bill gives Trump unchecked power to impose tariffs on countries.
